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Head and neck conditions (e.g. Parotid disorder)
What are Head and Neck Conditions?
Head and neck conditions mainly refer to the tumours that affect head and neck areas including nose and sinuses, the nasopharynx (the area behind the nose and just above the mouth and throat), the oral cavity (the mouth), the thyroid glands, the oropharynx (throat), the larynx (voice box), the hypopharynx (the inlet into throat) and the salivary gland. These tumours can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Patients with neck lumps should have their condition assessed.
The risk factors for head and neck cancer vary depending on the condition and location of the cancer. However, the most important ones are:
- Alcohol use
- Human papillomavirus infection
- Tobacco use
The symptoms of head and neck cancers depend on the type of condition. Some general symptoms of head and neck cancers include:
- A lump on the neck
- Constant pain in the face or mouth with no apparent causes
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hoarseness
- Neck pain
- Persistent mouth and tongue ulcers
- Sore throat